MMEA detains local fishing vessel in Bintulu for licence breach

BINTULU (March 2): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Maritime Zone has detained a local fishing vessel for allegedly breaching licence conditions at around 8.15am on Saturday.

Bintulu Maritime Zone director Capt Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the vessel was intercepted 1.6 nautical miles northwest off Tanjung Payung during a routine patrol by a maritime patrol boat.

“The patrol team inspected the vessel and found it carrying out fishing activities in the waters off Tanjung Payung.

“Preliminary checks revealed the fishing vessel was manned by five Indonesian crew members, including the skipper, aged between 21 and 52,” he said in a statement.

Muhammad Suffian Eldine said the vessel is suspected of committing an offence under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for violating valid licence conditions by operating less than seven nautical miles from shore, contrary to the stipulated requirements.

“The fishing vessel owner could face a fine not exceeding RM20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, if convicted,” he added.

He said the vessel and its crew were detained and escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to the investigating officer for further action.

MMEA reminded the maritime community to comply with existing laws and regulations, and to observe safety procedures at sea to prevent untoward incidents.

Members of the public can channel information, complaints or emergency reports via the emergency line at 999, or contact the Bintulu Maritime Zone operations centre at 086-314 254 or the Sarawak State Maritime operations centre at 082-432544.